Turkaman rug

Grandma was very kind and she had a Turkaman rug.

(Image is taken from http://www.oldcarpet.com/turkamen.htm, it looks very similar to Grandma's rug)

She had lovely white braid hair and always wore a tiny scarf- not to hide her hair for religious reasons, but to treat her age as a private matter: "I do not want people see my white hair" she said stubbornly. 

She had grey eyes , very fair skin, round face, sweat smile and the most lovely chin ever.

In summer, when roses and petunias in our garden grew, she used to wash the garden to cool the air. Then she used to spread her red Turkman rug on a platform.  I sat with her and we ate blackberries. She told me stories about her childhood and I told her about things I thought I would do when I grow up..

Any way, thats is what Turkaman rugs remind me: Grandma and her kindness.

Turkoman rugs are made by nomadic weavers of many different countries. They include Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and the province of Khorassan in northeast Iran(Persia). Of course weaving techniques in these areas  might be different. But they all have dominant red background color, geometric flowers (octagonal motif known as Gul=flower). 

They bring life and warmth to your home but sadly not all of them are of good quality. So buy them from a reputable dealer. 

I really like them and I am sure I gonna buy one of them to celebrate Granma's memories.

XXXOOO

Me

Where to buy rugs?

Well, I cannot and will not suggest a shop or website here. But very often, friends and relatives ask me where to buy a "good" rug !

My answer is


1- I know it is not always possible but if you can, try to ask someone who knows about rugs to help you. You might have a friend or relative that knows about rugs.

2- If it is a really really expensive rug, ask for an appraisal from a qualified honest appraiser. 

3- ALWAYS, ask for a certificate or at least a receipt that gives a description of the rug: its size, city it is made (its origin in fact), age, pattern, design, name of the workshop it is made (if it is known),  its condition, the price you have paid. 

4- ALWAYS inspect the rug, make sure it is clean, it is a symmetrical/accurate rectangle, the patterns are symmetrical (if they are supposed to be), watch out for damages(i.e. stains and wear), the edges are healthy. 

5- ALWAYS shop around. I know it is very tempting but never ever buy the first rug you like right away without researching about it- well unless if you are an expert (in that case you wont read my blog ). Look at it in this way: you might believe in love in first sight but you wont do IT on your first date. Right? Well unless you are an expert ;)

You also can search internet and find rugs with the same quality, style, signature in your own country so that you have a rough estimate.

6-  Discuss return options and make sure it is written in the receipt.

7- Buy the rug you really love. No , loving it is not enough ! You should be in love with it. You must feel a connection to it. OK? It is not fair to a rug if you just find it suitable but there is no love ;) 

xoxo
Me